3 are cited in cat abuse

One contract worker was arrested and two were cited by West Valley police Thursday for abusing a kitten while they were working.

Just after 2 p.m., a crew from XL Cable, a company contracted by Comcast to bury cable, was working on a project near 2800 West and 3100 South.

While they were working, a kitten came into their area. Three workers began abusing the cat by kicking and spray painting it, said West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan. A passer-by saw what was happening and called police.

Two workers were issued citations of cruelty to animals, a class B misdemeanor. A third, 27-year-old Jesus Villalovos, who was identified by authorities as the main protagonist and the man who was the least forthcoming with information, was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of obstruction of justice as well as cruelty to animals.

Detectives did not believe the abuse rose to the level of a felony, McLachlan said.

The kitten was taken to a local veterinarian for a checkup where it was determined the feline was suffering from some bruises as well as having paint on her. It was unknown if the kitten was a stray or had an owner. As of Thursday evening an owner had not stepped forward, McLachlan sai.

Comcast issued a statement condemning the abuse. Comcast issued a statement to express their anger over about the incident: "We are outraged and deeply saddened by this incident. We are fully cooperating with the police and will take appropriate action once we have all of the facts," company public relations director Ray Child said.